It’s a question which wants to know your opinion on an important historical event/ phase. Such questions are often asked in the GS1 paper. The question is related to GS1 syllabus under the following heading-

Key demand of the question

The question wants us to analyze overall British conquest of India, as in it’s finality and gather evidence/ facts/ arguments to form an opinion on, ” The British conquest of India was an accident rather than the result of a deliberate policy and design”.

Directive word

Critically analyze – we have to look into all the aspects of the question and see to what extent the British conquest of India was an accident and also to what extent it was a result of deliberate policy and design.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – introduce your answer by mentioning about the English East India Company and the Battle of Buxar, Plassey.

Body – divide the body into two main parts. In one part discuss to what extent the contest was a result of an accident. e.g weak Indian rulers at that time, Lack of exposure to the industrial revolution in India, inter rivalries between kings and chiefs etc.

In the other part, give reasons for why British contest of India was a result of deliberate policy and design. e.g Robert Clive’s policy of the dual government, subsidiary Alliance, doctrine of lapse, the policy of divide and rule, constitutional reforms etc.

Conclusion- bring out a balanced judgement based on the above analysis.

Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country

We have to compare and contrast Gandhian movement with the ones preceding it and answer whether the earlier movement had class limitations, whether Gandhian movement was truly a mass movement, and the reasons why it could happen.

DIrective Word

Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes if any.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Mention the status of national movement pre and post arrival of Gandhi

Body

Discuss whether the earlier movements were limited to certain classes

Analyze swadeshi and HRL

ANalyze the ideology of the leaders

Mention why there was a class barrier

Discuss whether Gandhian movement had a mass appeal

DIscuss the reasons for it

Dissastisfaction with WW2 policies of the govt etc

Conclusion – Summarize your arguments.

General Studies – 2

Simla agreement is it important agreement as far as India-Pakistan relations are concerned. It aimed too lay down a comprehensive framework for a friendly India Pakistan relationship. Questions related to GS-2 syllabus under the following heading –

Key demand of the question

The question wants to know, whether the Simla agreement was more than just a peace treaty which aimed just to reverse the 1971 war. We have to justify our stand.

Directive word

Comment- we have to take a stand on the main aspect of the issue and then present arguments/ facts in its favour.

Body- divide the body into two main parts. In one part, briefly discuss the principles of Simla agreement.

In the other part, discuss in points, how is Simla agreement was more than a peace treaty aimed at reversing in the 1971 war. e.g the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, commitment to respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, Trade and cooperation in economic and other agreed fields etc.

Conclusion– based on the above discussion present your opinion on the above statement and also briefly mention why the agreement was not successful.

In the past few years, India has put a lot of emphasis on the conduct of its foreign policy. In the meantime, a lot of changes are happening in geopolitics. In this backdrop, critically analyzing the content of principles of Indian foreign policy and whether the direction where its taking us becomes imperative.

Demand of the question

The question expects us to first discuss the rudimentary principles of India’s foreign policy. Thereafter, the question expects us to examine whether the principles help India serve its national interest. It also becomes important to mull over what constitutes India’s national interest.

Directive Word

Discuss – Expects us to list down and briefly explain the principles of Indian foreign policy

Critically examine – Present both the good and bad impacts of Indian foreign policy and analyze whether it has helped us achieve our national interest.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Mention how in a globalized world, foreign policy has assumed greater significance and how it helps a nation achieve its national interest.

In the next part, discuss what India’s national interests are – eradication of poverty, free and fair trade etc. Under each head discuss the achievements and limits of foreign policy.

Conclusion – Provide a balanced stand and mention what could be different.

TOPIC: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal
associations and their role in the Polity.

Whenever any case of police inefficiency comes up, the question of police reforms always pops up. More than a decade after SC’s judgment in Prakash Singh case, not much has happened on ground when it comes to police reforms. Police reforms is one of the most important part of governance reforms, and thus needs to be prepared.

Key demand of the question

The question mentions that criminal justice system can not function effectively without police reforms. We have to explain then, that in the absence of police reforms justice is delayed and denied. We also have to bring out what needs to be done to correct the situation

Directive word

Analyze – We have to examine different aspects of police reforms and how its presence (or absence) hampers the functioning of criminal justice system.

STructure of the answer

Introduction – In the introduction, mention about the laws governing police are archaic and not in tune with the times. Also explain what constitutes criminal justice system.

Body – First present a status quo of the criminal justice system – use data and incidents. Then, highlight how it is or is not related to the lack of reforms. Mention about the reforms which are to be brought in and discuss the impacts that it will have. Quote from SC judgment, 2nd ARC etc

Conclusion – Highlight that lots of time has passed and police reforms are the need of the hour to begin reforming the criminal justice system

General Studies – 3

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in
everyday life.

Waste management is a huge problem particularly in urban areas. Any technology thus which can help us in dealing with such grave issues has to be prepared.

Key demand of the question

We have to discuss in detail about a few technologies like the one described in the article to deal with the scourge of plastic waste. How the technology works, application, any challenges etc need to be brought out

DIrective word

Discuss – we have to provide details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them in detail. You have to give benefits and challenges of using technology

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Paint a picture of the growing challenge and how the existing ways are insufficient in dealing with the menace

Body – Mention about the technologies you know which would help. DIscuss this intervention (mentioned in the article) and other technological interventions you can think of. Discuss both the opportunities and challenges that technology provide

Conclusion – Highlight that for resolving a problem of this magnitude, tech intervention is reqd. Mention way forward

General Studies – 4

Topic:Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics

In Ethics paper, UPSC usually asks the candidates to comment on the quotes of famous people. The question is related to GS-4 syllabus under the following heading-

Key demand of the question

The question has two parts. In one part, we have to justify how integrity is telling truth to oneself. In the other part, we have to justify how honesty is telling the truth to other people. We have to bring out the difference between the two concepts and relate each one of them to either integrity or honesty.

Directive word

Comment- we have to take a stand, but here as the stand is obvious, we have to present arguments in favour of the quote as read in the question. We have to explain and defend the given quote.

Structure of the answer

Introduction- introduce your answer by defining integrity and honesty, in a different but related manner(wording).

Body- divide the body into two main parts. In one part, discuss how telling truth to oneself is integrity.

In the other part, discuss how telling truth to others means being honest.

Conclusion- draw up a concise conclusion and relate it to the respective definitions of honesty and integrity as mentioned in the introduction.

NOTE:

We are giving hints for each question. Please use your creativity and originality to come up with answers that are unique to you. But do so without deviating from core demand of each question. Ultimately you should use your reason and judgement to write your own answer.